Flashlight with mounting apparatus

ABSTRACT

A light and support structure apparatus, wherein the light may have beam width adjustment such that the beam may be easily adjusted from a wide beam to more of a spot beam. The light may also be able to switch to a different color beam. The light may utilize standard cylindrical batteries which are inserted into a battery compartment side by side with their positive and negative ends in the same orientation. The light may be mounted upon a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Each connector may include a body with a first and second end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/637,611 to Bevirt, filed Dec. 12, 2006, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/324,994 toBevirt, filed Jan. 3, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to lighting, and more specifically to alight that is supported with a tripod or other flexible supportapparatus.

2. Description of Related Art

Mounting devices may come in a variety of forms. Some mounting devicesare used to mount various types of hardware to a variety of types ofstructure. Tripod structures may be used to mount devices.

Typical tripod assemblies consist of three rigid legs which are splayedout to form a support structure for devices such as cameras. The legsare usually rigid and adapted to provide support off of the ground orother flat surface. Some tripods have some adjustment to leg lengthwhich may allow for some deviation from flatness in the surface uponwhich they are mounted.

What is called for is a light supported by amounting apparatus that mayfunction as a tripod and also as a grip mount for the mounting tovertical members. What is also called for is a light that hasimprovements relating to beam width adjustment, battery positioning, andcolor adjustment.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a light and support structureapparatus. The light may have beam width adjustment such that the beammay be easily adjusted from a wide beam to more of a spot beam. Thelight may also be able to switch to a different color beam. The lightmay utilize standard cylindrical batteries which are inserted into abattery compartment side by side with their positive and negative endsin the same orientation.

The light may be mounted upon a tripod or a monopod, and in someembodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket jointconnectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Eachconnector includes a body with a first and second end portion. Anexternal socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. Theother end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engagingsurface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of anotherto interconnect the connectors. In some embodiments, the ball and socketjoint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of theconnector to facilitate in their use for gripping.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a tripod and an annular clip with a flashlightaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tripod and light apparatus accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-E are views of a tripod and light apparatus according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a tripod and light apparatus according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a light according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a light according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of a battery compartment of a light according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view of a battery compartment of a light according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view of a battery compartment of a light according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A-D are views of a battery base assembly according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11-D are views of a battery cap assembly according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A-C are views of a lens according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a lens adjustment portion accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is sketch of a light path according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15-C are views of a lens and LED according to some embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a color switching portion accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a color tab and switch according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a plurality of connected connectorsaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates an end view of a plurality of connected connectorsaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of connected connectorsaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a connector according to some embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is illustrates a connector with a gripping portion according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 24 and 24A are a side and cross-sectional view of a connector witha gripping portion according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 is an illustration of a tripod apparatus according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 26 and 26A are a side and cross-sectional view of a body andinterconnect portion of a tripod apparatus according to some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIGS. 27 and 27A are a side and cross-sectional view of a body andinterconnect portion of a tripod apparatus according to some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a sketch of flexible leg wrapped around a member according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a sketch of a monopod mounting apparatus according to someembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a sketch of a tripod and a flashlight inserted into a clipthat is removable from the tripod. The flashlight and clip assembly 622are seen attached to a tripod 631. The flashlight and clip assembly 622is adapted to be attached into the tripod's interconnect portion 617. Arelease lever 618 allows for the release of the clip from theinterconnect portion of the tripod. The release lever may release a tabthat catches within the slot 609 on the bottom of the clip. The mainbody 616 of the tripod is seen with three flexible legs 619, 620, 621according to some embodiments of the present invention. The flexiblenature of the legs allow the tripod to also be used for gripping tovertical members by wrapping around them.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in FIGS. 2 and3A-E, a tripod and light assembly 340 uses a plurality of flexible legs344, 345, 346 to support a light 350. The plurality of flexible legs344, 345, 346 may be connected to a main body 343 adapted to receive thelegs. In some embodiments, the flexible legs 344, 345, 346 are made upof ball and socket connectors. The connectors may each have a ball and asocket, or may staggered such that a single connector may have a socketon each end, or a ball on each end.

In some embodiments, the light 350 may be attached to the main body 343with a flexible or pivotable connection, which may be a ball and socketjoint 342. The ball and socket joints may have a gripping ring aroundtheir exterior adapted to provide a better hold when the flexible legsare used to wrap around an object, such as pole. The gripping ring maybe of a rubberized material or other material adapted to provide grip.FIG. 28 illustrates a leg a flexible leg using ball and socketconnectors with a gripping ring on the exterior wrapped around a memberwhich illustrates a way in which the tripod legs may be used.

In some embodiments, the flexible legs may have a gripping pod 348 ontheir ends to enhance the grip of the tripod when placed on a slopingsurface, for example. In some embodiments, the ends of the flexible legsmay also include magnets, which may be within the gripping pods. Thus,the tripod may be used as a traditional tripod, or may take advantage ofits flexible legs to be used on an uneven surface, or may be used withthe legs wrapped around members to use the tripod as a support member,or may utilize magnets on the legs for support against metallicsurfaces, or may be used in other ways.

In some embodiments, the tripod and light assembly is adapted to havethe width of its beam varied. For example, the light beam from the lightmay be adjusted from a wider beam pattern to a narrower spot beampattern. In some embodiments, the tripod and light assembly is adaptedto be powered with a plurality of cylindrical batteries, and the lightis adapted to receive the batteries in the same orientation. Thus, thenegative end of each of the batteries may be inserted into the batterycompartment, for example, thus avoiding any patterning of batteryinsertion.

As seen in exploded view in FIG. 4, three flexible legs 344, 345, 346are attached to a main body 343. A flexible joint 342 attaches the mainbody 343 to the main housing 341 of the light. The main housing 341 ofthe light is adapted to receive a plurality of batteries 410 in abattery compartment 375. A battery cap assembly 401 is adapted to befastened to the main housing 341 and captures the batteries 410 therein.The battery base assembly 412 is adapted to be placed at the bottom ofthe battery compartment 375. Jumpers 370 are used to route electricalpower to the battery cap assembly 401 such that the batteries 410 mayall be placed within the battery compartment 375 in the sameorientation, such as negative end in first.

A color switch 351 is mounted within the main housing 341 and is adaptedto rotate a color tab 360. The switching of the color switch 351 changesthe output color of the light. For example, the light may have a whitelight LED that is the color shone through the lens 451 when the colorswitch is in a first position. The color tab 360 may be a red materialthat is interspersed between the LED and the lens 451 when the colorswitch is in a second position.

The beam width adjustment may be accomplished with a pair of matingpieces 372, 454 which are in place in the front of the LED. The lens 451is adapted to be positioned closer to or farther from the LED, thusadjusting the beam width, as the mating pieces are rotated relative toeach other. A grip ring 453 may be rotated such that it rotates one part372 of the mating pieces, which may have a first thread. The lens may bemounted into the other of the mating pieces 454, which may have a secondthread, and the rotation of the grip ring 453 may thus cause linearmotion of the lens either closer to or farther away from the LED.

The light may be powered on and off by the rotation of the power end capassembly 380. The light may be adapted to operate at a variety of powerlevels.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an example of a cross sectional view of thelight according to some embodiments of the present invention. On a firstend of the light is the battery cap assembly, and on a second end is thepower end cap assembly. As seen in the cross sectional view, the lens ismounted with a threaded assembly adapted to move the lens along therotation axis. Also seen is a socket connector adapted to provide aflexible attachment to the main body of the tripod assembly.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the battery compartment 375 both with andwithout the battery base assembly 412 installed. As seen in FIG. 7, aplurality of jumpers 370 have a first end 416 at the top of the batterycompartment. The bottom connect points 415 are adapted to connect to thebattery base assembly 412, which is seen in place at the bottom of thebattery compartment in FIG. 8. The battery contact springs 413 providefor electrical connection to the batteries. The positive and negativeends of each of the batteries is thus routed to the bottom of thebattery compartment, where it is coordinated into a functioning circuit.

FIG. 9 illustrates the batteries 410 in the battery compartment withtheir positive ends 411 up. The inside surface of the battery capassembly is seen with its jumpers which route the connection from thetop of the battery to the top of the vertical jumpers.

FIGS. 10A-D illustrate the battery base assembly 412. Battery contactsprings 413 are adapted to contact the bottom of the batteries. Thepower is routed out through bottom contacts 414. An anti-rotation device492 captures the battery base assembly 412 in the bottom of the batterycompartment.

FIGS. 11A-D illustrate the battery cap assembly. The battery capassembly is adapted to mount to the main housing of the light and tocapture the batteries in the battery compartment. Battery contact points421 contact the batteries and route power to the jumper contact points420 which contact the vertical jumpers.

FIGS. 12A-C illustrate a glass lens that may be used in some embodimentsof the light.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 13, an LED452 is used to provide an adjustable width beam. The lens 451 is adaptedto be moved closer or further from the LED 452 as the grip ring 453 isrotated by the user. Rotation of the grip ring 453 rotates the firstthreaded portion 372 to which the ring 453 is attached. The rotationcauses linear motion of the second threaded portion 454 along therotation axis, as the second threaded portion is constrained fromrotation but not from some linear translation. The linear motion of thesecond threaded portion 454 in turn moves the lens 451 to which it isattached. The movement of the lens closer to or further from the LED 452alters the beam width. A reflector 455 may be used to furtherconcentrate the light into the lens 451. In some embodiments, the closerthe LED is to the lens the wider the beam will be when exiting thelight.

FIG. 14 illustrates the light path through the lens from the LED. Thebreadth of the exiting light path is a function of the distance from theLED to the lens. As seen in FIGS. 15A-C, the different distances yielddifferent angles of beams from the lens.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an aspect of the light that allows for changeof color of the exiting beam in some embodiments. The color switch 351on the outside of the light housing is adapted to switch into place acolor tab 361 between the LED and the lens. In some embodiments, thecolor tab 361 is of a polycarbonate material. The color switch 351 maybe connected to a color lever 360, which is connected to the color tab361.

FIG. 29 illustrates a monopod, or unipod, that may have a light mountedto it according to some embodiments of the present invention. A monopodis seen with a series of ball and socket connectors with an overmoldedgrip strip as seen in other embodiments of the present invention. Themonopod may have light mounted to it according to embodiments of thepresent invention. The monopod allows for mounting to members, such as avertical member.

FIGS. 18, 19, and 20 illustrate a plurality of ball and socket jointconnectors 101 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Aconnector 101 has a first end portion 102 and a second end portion 103.A socket engaging end surface 104 is present at the first end 102. Thefirst end portion 102 is substantially hollowed out.

The second end portion 103 has a body 106 with an internal socketreceiving cavity 107. The inner surface 110 of the an internal socketreceiving cavity 107 is adapted to fit over the socket engaging endsurface 104 of another connector 101, or of another piece with a similarsocket engaging end surface. A neckdown 105 separates the first endportion 102 from the second end portion 103. A stop nub 108 acts as amechanical stop to prevent over angulation and possible unintentionalseparation of a ball and socket joint connector pair.

As seen in FIG. 21, the connector 101 has a primary axis 111 in someembodiments. The connector 101 may be symmetric around the primary axis111 in some embodiments. The end surface planes of the first and secondend portions of the connector may be perpendicular to the primary axis111 in some embodiments.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the wall thicknesses ofthe internal socket receiving cavity or the socket engaging end surface,or both, are constructed so that an interference fit remains after theball and socket joint connectors are connected. In some embodiments, theinterference fit is designed such that the material is stressed to astress level below that of the plastic limit but above the creep limit.The material may then creep until the interference is at or below thecreep limit, typically down to the upper end of the elastic deformationstress range of the material. In such an embodiment using a plurality ofconnectors connected together to form a longer chain, the stresses willtend to equalize in the different connector pairs. This equalization ofstresses will tend to equalize the frictions of the various connectorpairs. An equalization of the frictions in the connector pairs in a longchain of connected connectors will tend to allow the chain of connectorsto bend in a smooth fashion when the chain is subjected to bendingforces. For example, in a 10 unit chain bent to a 45 degree angle, thebending may be well spread among the connector pairs.

In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 23, 24 and 24A, a connector 120includes a gripping portion 122. The connector 120 has a first endportion 125 and a second end portion 123. A socket engaging end surface124 is present at the first end 125. The first end portion 125 issubstantially hollowed out.

The second end 123 has a body 121 with an internal socket receivingcavity 130. The inner surface 129 of the an internal socket receivingcavity 130 is adapted to fit over the socket engaging end surface 124 ofanother connector, or of another piece with a similar socket engagingend surface. A neckdown 128 separates the first end portion 125 from thesecond end portion 123. A gripping portion 122 allows the connector togrip surfaces more readily. In some embodiments, the gripping portion isco-molded into the connector body. In some embodiments, the grippingportion is a rubberized compound. In some embodiments, the grippingportion is a circumferential ring molded into the outer surface of theconnector. The gripping portion may provide a higher friction interfacewhen the connector is set upon or wrapped around an object.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the outer surface 109 ofthe socket engaging end surface 104 may be lubricated. Lubrication ofthe outer surface 109 of the socket engaging end surface 104 may allowfor more even frictions between various connections in a chain ofconnectors. In some embodiments, the inner surface 110 of the internalsocket receiving cavity 107 may be lubricated. Lubrication of the innersurface 110 of the internal socket receiving cavity 107 may allow formore even frictions. In some embodiments, both the outer surface 109 ofthe socket engaging end surface 104 and the inner surface 110 of the aninternal socket receiving cavity 107 may be lubricated. In someembodiments, the surfaces may be coated with an adhesive. With someconnector materials, such as acetyl materials, Delrin, and Nylon,compounds normally used as adhesive may function as a lubricant whenused in an interference fit ball and socket joint connector.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the outer surface 109 ofthe socket engaging end surface 104 may be textured. The texture maytake the form of a surface roughness. Texturing of the outer surface 109of the socket engaging end surface 104 may allow for more even frictionsbetween various connections in a chain of connectors. In someembodiments, the inner surface 110 of the internal socket receivingcavity 107 may be textured. The texture may take the form of a surfaceroughness. Texturing of the inner surface 110 of the internal socketreceiving cavity 107 may allow for more even frictions. In someembodiments, both the outer surface 109 of the socket engaging endsurface 104 and the inner surface 110 of the an internal socketreceiving cavity 107 may be lubricated.

FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plurality of ball andsocket joint connectors. In some embodiments of the present invention, astop nub 108 resides within the internal socket receiving cavity. Theinner rim 140 of the socket engaging end surface 104 is adapted tocontact the stop nub 108 as the two connectors reach a certain anglerelative to each other. The contact of the stop nub 108 and the innerrim 140 of the socket engaging end surface 104 acts as a mechanical stopwith regard to further angulation of the two pieces relative to eachother. The mechanical stop function works to prevent over-rotation andpossible disconnection of the two connectors.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in FIGS. 25, 26,and 27, a tripod apparatus 500 utilizes a body portion 501 which spacesand locates the legs of the apparatus. The spacing of the body sockets502 allows for better use of the tripod legs as attaching arms in someuses. In some embodiments, the body sockets 502 are equally spacedaround the center of the body portion 501. The body sockets are alsoflared at an angle relative to the ground (in typical usage). In someembodiments, the flared angle is 45 degrees. The flaring of the bodysockets allows a different range of potential wrapping angles for thelegs of the tripod.

With the flaring of the body sockets, the tripod legs may still beutilized as in the case of a typical tripod. The range of motion of thebody sockets and the connectors which form the legs still allow forvertical positioning of the legs. Thus, the body portion 501 retains thetripod's usual functionality. The flaring, however, allows for greaterbending of the legs in cases where the legs are used as gripping arms,such as when wrapped around vertical bars and the like. Thus the bodyportion 501 adds to the range of positions and to the types of uses thatthe apparatus may entertain.

As evident from the above description, a wide variety of embodiments maybe configured from the description given herein and additionaladvantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in theart. The invention in its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited tothe specific details and illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures from such details may be made without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the applicant's general invention.

1. A tripod and light assembly, the assembly comprising: three flexiblelegs; a main body, each of said flexible legs attached to said body; anda light, said light attached to said main body, wherein said body has acentral axis and three sockets, each socket having an associated openingand being arranged to pivotally receive an associated leg, wherein thesocket openings are flared relative to the central axis such that theydo not face in the same direction, to thereby facilitate a greater rangeof motion in their associated legs in a direction away from the centralaxis than would be possible if the openings all faced in the samedirection.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of said threeflexible legs is composed of a multiplicity of connector pieces thatjoin together in ball and socket joints that permit pivotable movementbetween connecting ball and socket components to together provide eachleg with sufficient flexibility to substantially wrap around an object.3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said light is attached to said mainbody with a pivotable connection.
 4. The assembly of claim 3 whereinsaid light is attached to said main body with a ball and socketconnection.
 5. A tripod and light assembly, the assembly comprising:three flexible legs; a main body, each of said flexible legs attached tosaid body; and a light, said light attached to said main body, whereinsaid light comprises a battery compartment, said battery compartmentcomprising a bottom end, said battery compartment adapted to receive aplurality of cylindrical batteries side by side.
 6. The assembly ofclaim 5 wherein cylindrical batteries comprise a positive end and anegative end, wherein said light is adapted to be powered when each ofsaid batteries are placed in said battery compartment with the negativeend facing said bottom end of said battery compartment.
 7. The assemblyof claim 5 wherein cylindrical batteries comprise a positive end and anegative end, wherein said light is adapted to be powered when each ofsaid batteries are placed in said battery compartment with the positiveend facing said bottom end of said battery compartment.
 8. The assemblyof claim 1 wherein said light comprises a beam width adjustment portion,said beam width adjustment portion adapted to adjust the width of thelight beam of the light.
 9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein said lightfurther comprises: an LED; a lens; and a mechanical adjustment portionadapted to vary the distance between said LED and said lens.
 10. Atripod and light assembly, the assembly comprising: three flexible legs;a main body, each of said flexible legs attached to said body; and alight, said light attached to said main body, wherein said lightcomprises: a beam width adjustment portion, said beam width adjustmentportion adapted to adjust the width of the light beam of the light: abattery compartment, said battery compartment comprising a bottom end,said battery compartment adapted to receive a plurality of cylindricalbatteries side by side, wherein cylindrical batteries comprise apositive end and a negative end, wherein said light is adapted to bepowered when each of said batteries are placed in said batterycompartment with the negative end facing said bottom end of said batterycompartment.
 11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said light furthercomprises: an LED; a lens; and a mechanical adjustment portion adaptedto vary the distance between said LED and said lens.
 12. A tripod andlight assembly, the assembly comprising: three flexible legs; a mainbody, each of said flexible legs attached to said body; and a light,said light attached to said main body, wherein said light comprises: abeam exit area; a light source; and a color panel, said color paneladapted to move from a first position between said light source and saidbeam exit area to a second position not between said light source andsaid beam exit area.
 13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein light sourceis an LED.
 14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein said light furthercomprises a lens, and wherein said first position is between said LEDand said lens.
 15. A tripod and light assembly, the assembly comprising:three flexible legs; a main body, each of said flexible legs attached tosaid body; and a light, said light attached to said main body, whereinsaid light comprises: a beam exit area; a light source; and a colorpanel, said color panel adapted to move from a first position betweensaid light source and said beam exit area to a second position notbetween said light source and said beam exit area: a batterycompartment, said battery compartment comprising a bottom end, saidbattery compartment adapted to receive a plurality of cylindricalbatteries side by side, wherein cylindrical batteries comprise apositive end and a negative end, wherein said light is adapted to bepowered when each of said batteries are placed in said batterycompartment with the negative end facing said bottom end of said batterycompartment.
 16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein light source is anLED.
 17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein said light further comprises alens, and wherein said first position is between said LED and said lens.